The Parenting Center at Children's Hospital was such a special place for my oldest son and me during the first three years of his life. Having a place to go every Tuesday morning for the Snuggles and Struggles group when he was an infant helped me get through those first months of motherhood. Once he got old enough, we played in the playroom several times a week. He had a blast with the toys and children while I enjoyed connecting with other parents.
I highly recommend the Parenting Center as a resource for parents. Below is a list of their summer programming. Many of the classes listed are offered to non-members. At the bottom of this list you will find programs for members only. Want to become a member? Click here to learn more about membership. Click here to read a past article I wrote about my experience at the Parenting Center.
Parent/Infant Programs
Register: (504) 896-9591 or www.theparentingcenter.net
Snuggles & Struggles New Parent Group (Parents & Newborns – 6 months) is weekly group provides learning opportunities and socialization with new parents and babies. A staff member facilitates the group. Free and open to the public. Uptown: Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m. – noon.
Happiest Baby On the Block (Prenatal – 4 months) Learn techniques proven to quickly calm crying and boost infant sleep based on the ideas in the popular book by Dr Harvey Karp. Participants receive “The Happiest Baby” DVD and white noise CD. FREE, pre-registration required.
Touro Infirmary: Saturdays, June 9, July 14, or Aug 11, 10 am – noon; Mondays, June 11 or Aug 13, 6 – 8:00 p.m.
West Jefferson Hospital: Tuesday, July 17, 7 – 9 p.m.
Busy Babies (6 – 10 months)
Active babies play while parents meet and discuss topics such as separation, sleep, development, nutrition, and appropriate play activities. Babies welcome! Six sessions, free for members (registration required)/$125 nonmembers. Uptown: Tuesdays, July 17 – Aug 21, 10:30 a.m. – noon
Fun With Ones (12 – 24 months) Meet other parents and talk about changes in behavior, development, and interaction with young children that encourages healthy development and fun. Five sessions, $60 members/$70 nonmembers, childcare available. Uptown: Wednesdays, July 18 – Aug 15, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m
Toddler Topics (18 – 36 months) Learn about developmental milestones, reinforcing positive behavior and setting limits, appropriate activities, and routines – eating, sleeping and toilet training. Two sessions, $30 members/$40 nonmembers. Uptown: Tuesdays, July 17 & 24, 6 – 8 p.m.
Terriffic Twos (24 – 36 months) Discuss older toddlers and their struggle for independence, challenging behavior, social abilities, play, toileting, sleeping, eating – and more. Five sessions, $60 members/$70 nonmembers, childcare available. Uptown: Thursdays, June 28 – July 26, 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Positive Discipline (3 – 5 Years) Explore ways of encouraging cooperation and redirecting the behavior of preschoolers. Learn how and when to discipline, alternatives to punishment, and practical limit-setting techniques for common preschool problems. Three sessions, $50 members/$60 nonmembers. Uptown: Mondays, July 16, 23, and 30, 6:30 – 8 p.m.
For Parents with Children in Elementary, Middle & High School
Register: (504) 896-9591 or www.theparentingcenter.net
Active Parenting Now (6 – 10 Years) Learn a proven approach to parenting that will lead to more harmony and happiness for you and your school aged children. is program uses video, activities, and discussion to show you ways to raise responsible, cooperative children who are able to resist peer pressure. ree sessions, $60 members/$70 nonmembers. Fee includes book. Uptown: Mondays, June 25, July 2, and July 9, 6 – 8 p.m.
Growing Up for Girls (9 – 12 years) Practical information about female anatomy, what happens during puberty, body image, menstruation and hygiene is presented in an informal, fun and hands-on manner. Girls attend with their mother or care giver. $20 per child.
Metairie: Tuesday, June 19, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Uptown: Tuesday, July 31 or Aug 21, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. (Children's Hospital Conference Center)
Growing Up for Boys (10 – 13 years) Practical information for boys and their fathers including male and female anatomy, physical and emotional changes during puberty, and hygiene issues. Boys attend with their father or care giver. $20 per child.
Metairie: Tuesday, June 26, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Uptown: Tuesday, Aug 28, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. (Children's Hospital Conference Center)
Community Programs
Register: (504) 896-9591 or www.theparentingcenter.net
Focus on Children Divorce Program A nationally acclaimed program to help divorcing parents lessen the impact of separation and divorce on their children. e importance of co-parenting skills is stressed. is course meets court requirements with certi cate of attendance. Facilitated by a Parenting Center staff member. One-time class, $25.
Uptown: Wednesday, June 13, July 11, or Aug 8, 6 – 8 p.m.
Infant & Child CPR (Newborn-8 years) American Heart Association’s “Family and Friends”® non-certi cation class. Learn how to perform CPR and obstructed airway management for infants and children. Advance registration and payment are required. Taught by Certi ed CPR Instructor. One-time class. $25 members/$35 nonmembers. Metairie: Thursday, June 21 or Aug 16, 6:30 – 9 p.m. Uptown: Thursday, July 19, 6:30 – 9 p.m.
Grandparenting 101 A lot has changed in newborn care! From tummy time to safe sleeping, learn the basics to best support your children as parents. One session. FREE! Touro Infirmary: Wednesday, July 25 6 – 7 p.m To register for this class ONLY, visit www.touro.com/events or call (504) 897-7319.
For Members Only
Register: (504) 896-9591 or www.theparentingcenter.net
Let’s Make Music (1 – 3 years) Hands-on lively music for parents and children. Free for Active Members only. Uptown: Mondays, 9:30 – 10 a.m. and 10 – 10:30 a.m.
Outside Art & Big, Bubble Play Come dressed for a mess – shoes, too! Free for Active Members only. Uptown: Thursdays, 3 – 4 p.m., (1 – 4 years) Metairie: Tuesdays, 10 – 11 a.m., (1 – 3 years)
Let’s Have Fun! Art & Messy Play (1 – 3 years) Enjoy the ne “art” of making a mess. Free for Active Members only. Uptown: Wednesdays, 10 – 11 a.m. Metairie: Mondays, 10 – 11 a.m.
